Energy Solutions Q&A

Here's a question from a reader: What is the best approach to engage an organization to participate in an energy efficiency program, when there is not a direct relationship to upper management?And here's my reply:I guess you know that your question raises a subject that I’ve written about many times. I’ll recommend a few of my blog posts:1. Scenarios for Energy Management2. From Energy to Cash

From Energy to Cash Flow

What would be at the top of a business leader’s wish list for the new year? Would it be greater sales volume, easier credit, lower taxes, streamlined regulations, or all of these? These wishes are really different means to the same end: improved capital recovery. In simple terms, capital recovery is the “velocity” at which an investment creates new wealth. From a shareholder perspective, it

Justifying Energy Efficiency for Business Growth & Investment

Energy efficiency vs. business growth-- it's NOT a zero sum game, and I'll prove it. Learn how to monetize energy choices, and make a compelling business case for energy improvements. Join me for a two-hour web seminar at 11:00 am eastern on Friday, December 9, produced by the Association of Energy Engineers.

How Much Does an Energy Manager Make?

Many people ask this question. In short, the answer is this: if you become an energy manager, you can pretty much expect to make the same salary you get now. Your salary may increase if you can justify it with the additional value you create. Energy managers are not created equal. To see why I say this, take a minute to read an earlier post, “What Does an Energy Manager Do?” The energy

Better Buildings, Better Plants

The U.S. Department of Energy will soon evolve its program structure, merging the current Industrial Technologies Program with the Buildings program. Deputy Assistance Secretary Kathleen Hogan gives a concise overview of “Better Plants, Better Buildings.” If energy efficiency is to be achieved in the buildings and industry sectors, these will be the critical success factors:1. Direct cost

"Learning is not compulsory... But neither is survival."

Thank W. Edwards Deming for the brilliant quote that serves as the title to this post. Deming essentially taught Japanese industry how to develop efficient industrial production techniques after World War II. The rest, as they say, is history. In the spirit of Deming, I am pleased to debut on September 23, 2011 a new webinar for the Association of Energy Engineers, entitled "Designing and

Checklist for Considering an Energy Performance Contractor

UNDERSTAND WHAT AN ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACT (EPC) IS… and what it can and cannot do. An EPC allows you to obtain capital and expertise to install and operate energy-saving measures. In return, you share the savings with the vendor under specified contract terms. Energy savings depend on more than “new equipment.” Expertise and services are at least as important. A successful outcome is